Party Pickles

by Elma
(Langley, British Columbia)

Makes a nice hostess gift or Christmas gift for neighbours, teachers, co-workers, etc.

Vegetables:
3 cups cauliflower florets
3 cups tiny whole carrots or sliced carrots
2 cups turnips, cut into strips
2 green peppers, sliced
3 red peppers, sliced
1 pound pickling onions
2 quarts small whole cucumbers or larger ones cut up
3/4 cup pickling salt

Brine:
4 cups white sugar
4 cups vinegar
2 tsp mustard seed
1 tsp celery seed
2 tsp turmeric

1. Blanch cauliflower, carrots, and turnip separately for about 1 minute. Drain and cool.
2. Combine all vegetables (blanched and raw).
3. Sprinkle pickling salt over vegetables, cover with cold water.
4. Let sit overnight. Drain and rinse well.

5. Mix brine in large pot, and bring to boil.
6. Add vegetables, bring back to a boil.
7. Simmer for 2 minutes.
8. Pack in hot sterilized jars.
9. Seal.